Another cry for the supremacy of basic instincts rises from the depths of the Cult commercials: “Party now – Apologize later.” A seated man holds the head of a young woman close to the aforementioned balls whilst looking the spectator in the eye with a sober look. The girl, however, looks utterly drunk in a diagonal approach to his membrum virile, as if she had fallen over and happened to land her head on the thing. Once down and greated by a welcoming yet sustaining hand, the girl seems to have thought, “What the hell, now that I am down here…”

The Cult commercial calls for the rule of base and basic instincts: “Go ahead! Exploit the drunk girl, you can always apologize tomorrow!” “Drink the Cult Party Maker and let go of your inhibitions.” Of course, as the guy seems relatively sober and excessively smug, the major part of the Cult imbibibing must have been done by the girl. In that case, Cult presents itself as a date rape drug and the spectator is asked to identify with somewhat of an anus. But it’s okay, you can apologize tomorrow.

The Cult people have always been vulgar visceral vultures and vendors of vomworthy venom and Diesel always tried to dress your dirty deeds in denim. But whereas Diesel and Cult incessantly ask the limbic question “How low can you go?” others still try to sell you the meaning of life and the sanctity of the spirit:

“As a gift Kimmidoll shares common beliefs and aspirations with friends and loved ones. As a decorative item for the home they represent a common connection shared by people all over the world. As a collectible each doll is unique and meaningful connecting with one of life’s true values.”

As described on the Kimmidoll web site, the product is a rip off of Japanese Kokeshi dolls. Each kimmidoll is a depiction of a given character. Ami, for instance, presents herself thus: “My spirit unites and builds. By embracing my spirit in everything you do and in all your relationships, you help to create a more peaceful, joyful and loving world for all.”

I think Kimmidoll might well be surpassing the vulgarity of Cult and Diesel here. Diesel tries to sell you on the ballsy way through life dressed in whatever appalling apparel they are peddling at the moment. Cult incites uninhibited partying and general bastardly behavior as the “true” rock and roll life style. Kimmidoll inspires truth, beauty and all that other stuff by means of designed dolls with a hint of japanese mystique and authenticity. They all sell authenticity, the real deal. Whether authentic courage, fun or harmony, they ask you to realise yourself by way of their offerings. This is unsurprisingly obvious and commonplace. The only surprise is that the filthy marketing people who deliver themselves of these campaigns, these cultural abominations, are unable to dream up more visionary conceptions of spectacular authenticity and that the unconsciously credulous consumer keeps on paying their salaries. The vision splendid of the critical mind has indeed, it seems, faded into the ever dimming light of common day.